‘Raped Identity’ showcase ongoing human trafficking |26 May 2018

Despite the Act for the Abolition of Slavery throughout the British Colonies received Royal Assent on August 28, 1833 and took effect on August 1, 1834, artist Emmanuel D'Offay is still convinced that the sick trade is still ongoing worldwide.

Through his latest solo exhibition, Mr D’Offay is displaying a variety of portraits and other pieces representing the slavery days of Seychelles, an era which he said still exists.

The exhibition entitled ‘Raped Identity’ is a year’s work based on a lot of research and dedication, while the portraits are the exact ones of the slaves who were casted out to Seychelles.

Being held in the lobby of the International Conference Centre as part of the activities for this year’s FetAfrik celebrations, the exhibition was launched by the chief executive of the Creative Industries and National Events Agency (Cinea) Galen Bresson, in the presence of Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon, Speaker of the National Assembly Nicholas Préa, diplomats and members of the National Assembly.

Guiding the guests through his work, Mr D’Offay noted that Slavery is one of the biggest crimes ever committed against mankind and that although the world turn a blind eye, slavery is still happening in the modern world, especially through human trafficking.

He explained that he chose the theme for his exhibition to make people aware that slavery is not something of the past, but an ongoing activity which must be stopped.

Mr D’Offay described he work as a way of using the past to illustrate and create awareness of the present.